భార్య చేతి పంచభక్ష్య పరమాన్నం కన్నా తల్లి చేతి తవిటి రొట్టె మేలు

bharya cheti panchabhakshya paramannam kanna talli cheti taviti rotte melu

Translation

Bran bread from a mother's hand is better than a five-course gourmet feast from a wife's hand

Meaning

This proverb highlights the incomparable value of a mother's selfless love and affection. It suggests that even the simplest, poorest meal served with a mother's pure love is far more satisfying and superior to a lavish banquet served by anyone else, including one's spouse. It is used to express the sentiment that nothing can replace the nurturing quality of a mother.

Related Phrases

Like a snake in a monkey's paw. Jacko is afraid of it, but won't let it go.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone who is fickle, irresponsible, or lacks judgment is given control over something dangerous or sensitive. Just as a monkey doesn't know how to handle a snake safely—either hurting itself, the snake, or others by swinging it around—giving power or a delicate task to an incompetent person leads to unpredictable and harmful consequences.

Money left in the hands of a woman wont last; a child left in the hands of a man wont live.

This traditional proverb suggests that wealth tends to be spent quickly when managed by a woman (historically implying domestic expenses or lack of financial restraint), while a child may not thrive under a man's sole care due to a perceived lack of nurturing skills. It is used to describe situations where resources or responsibilities are placed in hands that are traditionally considered ill-equipped to preserve them.

For Lakshmayya who eats ten sweets, is one sweet a matter of concern?

This proverb is used to describe a person who handles large challenges or massive tasks effortlessly, implying that a minor version of that task is trivial for them. It plays on the name 'Lakshmayya' and the word 'Lakshyam' (target/concern). It is similar to saying 'A person used to dealing with thousands won't blink at a single rupee.'

Where is the respect for the left hand compared to the respect for the right hand?

This expression is used to highlight the inherent inequality or discrimination in treatment between two entities, despite them being part of the same whole or family. It refers to the traditional cultural preference for the right hand over the left, signifying that one person or thing often receives more honor or priority than another.

A garland of flowers in a monkey's paw.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a valuable object or a position of responsibility is given to someone who is incapable of understanding its value or doesn't know how to handle it properly, eventually leading to its destruction.

A good thing thrown away on a stupid person.

The hand's quality - the physician's hand's brilliance

This expression refers to the 'healing touch' or the innate skill of a person. It suggests that the success of a treatment or a task depends not just on the medicine or tools used, but on the unique proficiency and luck (Cheti Gunam) of the individual performing it. It is commonly used when a doctor's treatment works effectively or when someone consistently succeeds in their craft.

Yesterday's greatest friend is today's greatest enemy

This expression is used to describe how relationships can change drastically over time. It highlights the irony or bitterness of life where someone who was once a close confidant or best friend has now become a bitter rival or enemy, often due to betrayal or changing circumstances.

Money in a woman's hand and a child in a man's hand will not stay.

This traditional proverb suggests that wealth held by a woman is quickly spent on household needs, while a man may lack the patience or nurturing skill to keep a child calm or safe for long. It is used to describe roles or situations where resources or responsibilities are perceived to be inherently unstable.

The good that an onion does, even a mother cannot do.

This is a popular Telugu proverb highlighting the immense medicinal and health benefits of onions. It suggests that while a mother is the most selfless caretaker, the therapeutic properties of onions are so unique and powerful for the human body that they provide benefits even a mother's care cannot replicate.

Bran-bread from the hand of a mother is better than the five cakes and rich food from the hand of a wife. Pañchabhakshyam are five kinds of cakes.—Paramânnam is a rich dish of rice boiled with milk, sugar, spices, &c.

This proverb emphasizes the incomparable love and comfort associated with a mother's care. It suggests that even the simplest, coarsest food prepared by one's mother is more satisfying and precious than the most luxurious feast prepared by anyone else, including one's spouse. It is used to highlight the deep emotional bond and selfless nature of maternal love.